Jason Motte had never had a two-inning save before the Cardinals asked him to get six outs in a two-run game after Wednesday’s long rain delay. Not only did he do the job, but he made it a breeze, retiring every Giant he faced as St. Louis won 3-1.

In so doing, Motte became just the second different National League reliever to record a two-inning save in the postseason in the last 10 years. Brad Lidge had three of them for the Astros between the 2004 and ’05 NLCSs, all of them against the Cardinals.

Motte was also the first pitcher since Mariano Rivera in the 2005 ALDS to go six up, six down in a postseason save chance. The last NL reliever to do it was Arizona’s Byung-Hyun Kim in the 2001 NLCS against the Braves.

But that’s all gravy. What the Cardinals care about is that Motte needed just 19 pitches to dispose of the Giants in Game 3, meaning he should be fine to go an inning in Game 4 if the need arises.

I think they’ve faced misfortune in losing guys like Furcal, Berkman, and the loss of Pujols in the offseason. Last year, it was Wainwright. Whether it was Freese last year, or someone like Matt Carpenter this year, guys have stepped up their game when it matters.

Without trying to sound hokey, I really believe that it’s organizational. Traditionally good teams usually find a way to remain at or near the top. Guys who come up through an organization like the Cardinals seem to always be able to step in and pick up the slack. I realize how ridiculous that sounds, but I can’t think of another explanation. Whatever it is, I’ll take it.

Misfortune? They have battled adversity for the last two years. Lots and lots of impactful adversity.
The injuries and departures over the last two years are far to many to post.
Last night there 7-8-9 “blueprint” didn’t work. It was due for implosion.
I even said as much to my Father right before the inning started. Mujeica was due for a bad outing. Dude has been lights out…but it was only a matter of time before the other shoe drops.
The Cardinals battled through this “misfortune” and/or “adversity” and plowed on.
Great job Mitchell Boggs. Better job Jason Motte.